Transitions Program

How Winston Transitions Meets Goals

How Transitions Meets Goals

At Transitions, each student's programming is individually tailored to meet their specific goals. From academic and cognitive goals, college preparation, employment skill-building, or social-emotional independence, we prepare students with learning differences to take on their next steps.

List of 1 items.

  • Potential Academic and Cognitive Goals

    • Strengthen higher-order comprehension skills:
    • Enhance creativity and innovation abilities 
    • Improve critical thinking and problem-solving skills 
    • Enhance language and communication skills 
    • Develop executive function skills

Academic and Cognitive

The academic and cognitive components of Winston Transitions target students' most significant areas of need, specifically those that are hindering their intellectual independence. Academic independence varies for each student, which is why our program is highly individualized and designed to meet each student's abilities and goals. For example, academic  independence may mean building basic math skills for financial literacy or solidifying foundational algebra knowledge in college preparation. While students are working on reaching academic independence, the Winston Transitions program targets gaining and retaining employment and acquiring the additional social and personal skills that allow students to live independently. Our Transitions Team works closely with students in a very personalized and individual way through our small groupings, comprehensive academic coursework, internship experiences, social-emotional development, and Winston's unique one-to-one Focus program.

Transitions’ also emphasizes a practical application approach and project-based learning within the core course opportunities of Language Arts, Math, Health and Wellness, Creative Projects, and Professional Studies. All activities reflect and respond to the essential skills needed for success as an emerging young adult.

College Preparation

Preparing for college can be daunting for many students, particularly those with learning differences. Students with learning differences can develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in college and beyond by setting college preparation goals. It is essential to work with teachers, counselors, and disability services offices to ensure that students receive the support and accommodations they need to achieve their goals. With the proper preparation, students with learning differences can thrive in college and complete their academic and career goals.

At Transitions, Students can participate in Landmark College's dual enrollment program, which allows engagement in college-level coursework through an asynchronous web-based platform. Transitions use this opportunity primarily as an assessment tool, providing data that supports decision-making regarding the most appropriate next steps for students considering college. Additionally, Students can earn credits awarded from Landmark after successful completion of each course. Those credits are typically transferable to other colleges and universities.

List of 1 items.

  • Potential College Preparation Goals

    • Developing reading, writing, and study skills 
    • Ensure that appropriate accommodations are in place by self-advocating
    • Executive function skill development, such as time management and follow through 
    • Self-care, independent living, and personal finance skill development
    • Academic and social problem solving

List of 1 items.

  • Employment Goals

    • Identify strengths and interests
    • Improve employability skills
      • Communication
      • Teamwork
      • Time management 
      • Critical thinking and problem-solving 
    • Explore career options 
    • Develop a network 
    • Set realistic and achievable goals 
    • Responsiveness to feedback and develop self-advocacy skills

Internship/Employability Skill Building

Emerging young adults with learning differences face unique challenges regarding employment. However, they can still achieve their employment goals with proper support and guidance. An internship can significantly benefit emerging young adults with learning differences. These opportunities provide hands-on experience, allowing young adults to gain exposure to the working world and develop valuable skills.

Each student in the program is assigned a placement tailored to their needs. These internships provide authentic hands-on workplace experience with performance evaluations and clear, direct feedback, allowing for meaningful and specific growth in developing soft and transferable skills. They can also serve as a gateway to future employment opportunities and help our students achieve their career goals. Furthermore, in daily academic coursework, students focus on developing and strengthening professional written and verbal expression skills, problem-solving, teamwork, communication skills, and career exploration through our Professional Studies course.

Social-Emotional Skill Building

Social-emotional skills are critical for emerging young adults with learning differences as they transition from adolescence to adulthood. Developing social-emotional skills can help emerging young adults with learning differences build positive relationships, succeed in school and work, and lead fulfilling lives. It is essential to provide young adults with learning differences with support and guidance they need to develop these skills through social skills training, counseling, or coaching.

Winston’s one-to-one Focus program creates a supportive and inclusive environment that helps young adults with learning differences thrive and reach their full potential. Transitions’ Focus team is staffed by mental health professionals providing targeted group and individual activities to foster continued development in this area.

List of 1 items.

  • Social-Emotional Goals

    • Learn to prioritize tasks, create schedules and manage time
    • Develop a growth mindset and resilience. 
    • Increase self-advocacy, self-reflection, self-regulation, and self-awareness
    • Strengthen household management 
    • Improve self-care 
    • Increase financial literacy 
    • Identify and develop support systems.
    • Develop transportation skills 
    • Improve adaptability and resilience

Want to learn more?

Winston Preparatory School is a leading school for students with learning disabilities, including dyslexia, executive functioning difficulties (ADHD), and non-verbal learning disorders (NVLD).

WPS does not discriminate against applicants and students on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin. The Winston Preparatory School provides programs and services and equal opportunity in the administration of its educational and admissions policies, financial aid programs, employment, and the selection of its governing board without regard to gender, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability status, or any status recognized by federal, state and local civil rights and non-discrimination laws.